The board members voiced concerns over the effectiveness of hybrid meetings, noting issues with equipment and the ability to hear and participate fully from remote locations. The current setup in the town hall was criticized for its ineffectiveness, with the “owl” device failing to track speakers adequately during meetings. Despite the availability of a large TV screen and technology intended to facilitate hybrid meetings, members reported that the experience was unsatisfactory, with poor acoustics and difficulties in understanding speakers.

Members also discussed the legislative permission that allows virtual meetings to continue through March 2025. There was no pressure reported to change from virtual to in-person meetings, and the board members appreciated the flexibility that virtual meetings offer. It was acknowledged that virtual meetings had been successful in maintaining consistent participation, even from members who were not at home, and they had avoided cancellations due to inclement weather.

The board also briefly touched upon other matters, such as the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the reelection of a board member. However, these topics were routine procedural matters and did not carry the same level of interest as the discussion on the format of future meetings.

Regarding public health updates, the members did not report developments. There was a mention of a new COVID-19 variant being monitored, but no new recommendations for booster shots at the time of the meeting. A brief exchange about the efficacy of repeated vaccinations without new formulations was included.

In terms of local concerns, there was a question about updates on the demolition of a property by an individual named Greg Steve, but no new information had been conveyed to the board.